What NOT to Say if Approached or Detained by Police

When you are approached or detained by police, be polite, be respectful, and stay silent. If you are detained by the police, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately. The skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Mark A. Bernstein will advise you what you should do, and as important, what you should not do.

Police officers put their lives on the line every hour of every day that they are on duty. They know how quickly what seems to be an ordinary conversation can turn into a deadly confrontation, and they are constantly vigilant for any sign of potential trouble.

The smart thing to do is to keep any interaction with police officers as non-confrontational as possible. Put yourself in the police officer’s shoes – do not say or do anything that could be misconstrued as threatening. Be polite, and be respectful.

Do not make any movement that might be mistaken for reaching for or drawing a weapon. If a police officer tells you to get out of a vehicle, do so without protest. If you must reach for something, be sure to tell the police officer what you are about to do, and wait for the officer’s consent.

If you are detained or arrested, you should not answer any questions. Under the United States Constitution’s Fifth Amendment, you have the right to remain silent – the right not to incriminate yourself. What you share with your lawyer is privileged information, and will be kept confidential and private. What you share with anyone else – a police officer, corrections officer, prosecutor, fellow inmate or detainee, or even a non-spousal relative or family friend – will NOT be confidential, and could be used against you in court.

Being detained or arrested is a very serious matter. Be polite, be respectful, and be silent.

Contact the Law Office of Mark A. Bernstein by email or call us at 856.424.3338, and let our experienced criminal defense lawyers work for you.

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